Product Description
We are entering a new era of increasing understanding of how genetics influences human health and development, agricultural productivity and the ecological balance of the planet. This will be crucial to decisions involving personal, medical, societal, economic and environmental issues. This book aims to convey to non-specialists the excitement and significance of recent discoveries dealing with genes and the innovative capabilities that stem from these advances. Introductory chapters trace the historical path to present views about inheritance, introducing the concept of the gene, how genes are passed from one generation to the next, how they determine traits in all living organisms, and how alteration in genes influence traits and cause disease. Some basic chemistry is introduced at this stage to enable the reader to understand that modern genetics is a molecular science. Subsequent chapters describe how genes are encoded in the molecular structure of DNA and how that information is decided to create a functional organism. An important feature of that process - the intricate "switches" that turn genes on and off in the proper tissues at proper times - is emphasized because of its critical role in guiding normal growth and development. All of this is a prelude to chapters that describe how mutations - spontaneous, induced or directed - alter normal genetic functions to produce diseases such as heart and mental diseases, cancer and colour blindness. These chapters further describe current efforts to map all human genes and how all this information is being used to find genes, and to analyze their status as a means to improving the diagnosis, prevention, and cure of genetic disorders. Similar efforts and technology are being applied for the improvement of agriculturally important crops and animals, new industrial products, and a new apprieciation of the natural world and its origins. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A very good intro
If you are the layman and want to get basics in genetics and molecular biology, this is a book for you. Berg and Singer explain the field in a very clear language, backed by good drawings and pictures wherever you need it. Having read the book mapping genomes, uncovering kinship, cloning, differences between eucaryotic and procaryotic genomes and virus strategies will be no mystery for you. The book encourages to dig deeper, and is a minimum for anyone wanting to get the feeling of what is going on in modern biology. ... Read more

Product Description
An in-depth overview of the molecular structures and mechanisms that underlie the utilization of genetic information by complex organisms. This excellent text emphasizes the experimental aspects of molecular genetics and is the first text to offer a complete introduction to both principles and methods. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the most complete book regarding the miniature cases(daguerreian/Union cases), wall frames and collar boxes of the 19thcentury. It contains over 1200 true sized illustrations, a raritylisting and a price guide. Each item is numbered and each chapter isarranged by theme, size, and construction material. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

One of the Best!
If you enjoy collecting online, you can't find a better reference book for identifying the many union cases and frames. This book offers enough historical background information on all aspects of the beautiful and unique union case; it's origins and makers; mat and hinge designs; all of which will help make more intelligent decisions in your collecting. You will find some of the most beautiful photos of cases from noted collectors the world over, many of which you would never see elsewhere. The author was thorough in pointing out discovered differences in several of the cases where other manufacturers made "similar" designs due to the popularity or trends of the time, stimulating the detective in all of us to find more on our own.I just have to say that this book has brought me so much enjoyment in my own collecting and an higher appreciation of the wonderful artistry from an earlier time.

This book is not worth the money
This book shows many cases, gives rarity & tell who madethe cases. There is almost no text at all in this book, it isbasically a picture book.The book is lacking in information on the different companies that made cases & on when the cases were made. For those who do not know about the cases a company name is not helpful without the company background. Without the time they were made they are not helpful in dating the images they hold. The book is lacking in that it does not show a single top folding case from the early years of photography c1839 to 1842/43. You would be better off getting the books 'Union Cases' by Krainik & Walvoord & 'American Minature Case Art' by Rinhart. The two books I recommend give more information on the cases & are not just a bunch of pretty pictures. Do not waste your money.

A30 year veteran of collecting photographica Nov. , 1999
A "must have" reference book and price guide if one collects photo cases.Contains photographs of all cases from previously published books, and much, much more. Rated excellent. ... Read more

Product Description
This integrated collection of case studies examines in detail how genes operate in systems. It can be used separately or as a companion volume to Genes and Genomes. An outstanding group of scientists have collaborated to develop this all-new 2-color text. It is recommended for students and professionals in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and genetics. ... Read more